The boars startle.
A low growl rumbles from my lips. After a moment, the boarsscatter in different directions. I reach for the table, wrapping my claws around the edges.
Bea starts shrieking.
Amund and Valerie fight to hold the table in place, but I rip it away easily.
Valerie stumbles back.
Amund stands his ground, our gazes locking. In his wide eyes, I see what I’ve become. A massive grizzly bear with glowing yellow eyes, fur matted with blood, red dripping from my maw. Behind him, Jim’s and Patricia’s mouths hang open as they try to shield Bea from me.
My stomach sinks.
I try to speak, to tell them not to be afraid. Instead of words, only a chuffing sound escapes my lips.
What’s wrong with me?
I look down at my paws. Shouldn’t I be human again?
Why—
“Shit,” Valerie says, holding up a knife.
“Wait.” Amund reaches for her hand, stopping her. “That’s Edith.”
Valerie blinks a few times.“Excuse me?”
“I can’t explain how, but I know it’s her,” Amund says, his voice fierce. “Trust me, Val. Please.”
“Shit, you’re right.” Valerie slowly lowers her weapon. “The bear has the same scar as Edith.” Behind her, Jim peers up at me with awe and fear.
Patricia approaches me with raised hands. “Edith, just calm down.”
Iamcalm, I try to say.
A low growl rumbles from my throat instead.
Patricia and Jim grab Bea andrunfor the closest door.
“No!” Amund shouts.
Primal instinct seizes me.
Chase them!
My body moves on its own, ready to obey.
“Edith!” Bea screams, breaking free of Jim and Patricia. Instead of running away, my sister runs toward me without hesitation. She throws both her arms around me, grabbing fistfuls of fur, clinging to me as she cries.
Patricia and Jim are screaming now.
I lower my paws—
Bringing them around Bea to hug her back.
I start crying too, and before I know it, my claws retract.
My bones slowly snap back into place. The world lowers as my body shrinks, drawing me closer to Bea. The thick fur covering my arms slowly recedes, replaced by soft, pale flesh.
